PFL Dubai MMA Match Preview: Jesus Pinedo (25-7-1) vs. Salamat Isbulaev (9-0-0)
PFL Dubai kicks off the promotion’s 2026 season with a featherweight main card bout between former PFL champion Jesus “El Mudo” Pinedo and unbeaten Kazakh prospect Salamat Isbulaev. Pinedo, the 2023 PFL featherweight titleholder known for his striking power and shocking upsets, returns after a submission loss in 2025, aiming to reclaim momentum against a rising star. Isbulaev, a finisher with a 100% finish rate, makes his PFL debut following a dominant run in regional circuits, looking to announce himself on the big stage. This three-round clash replaces no prior booking but promises fireworks on a card headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Alfie Davis.
Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (indoor arena with capacity around 17,000; a staple for major MMA events in the Middle East).
Start Time: Prelims at 9:00 a.m. ET (6:00 a.m. PT / 6:00 p.m. local time in Dubai); Main Card at 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. local). As a main card bout, Pinedo vs. Isbulaev is expected around 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET.
Broadcast: ESPN App (U.S.); Starzplay (MENA region).
Injury Report
No injuries have been reported for either fighter as of February 3, 2026. Pinedo is returning after a submission loss in August 2025 but shows no lingering effects in training updates. Isbulaev enters with a clean bill of health, having competed actively through 2025 without setbacks.
Fighter Matchups
This three-round featherweight (145 lbs) main card bout contrasts Pinedo’s experienced striking power against Isbulaev’s unbeaten finishing prowess. Key elements:
Striking Power vs. Finish Rate: Pinedo lands 3.23 significant strikes per minute with 38% accuracy, relying on KO/TKO power (16 career wins, 64%). Isbulaev boasts a 100% finish rate (6 KO/TKO, 3 subs), but limited stats suggest aggressive, close-range attacks that could expose him to Pinedo’s counters.
Experience vs. Youth: Pinedo (46 fights) has faced top competition, including a 2023 PFL title win, with strong defense (52% strike defense, 4.37 SApM). Isbulaev (9 fights) is undefeated but untested against elite opponents, relying on early finishes to avoid prolonged battles.
Physical Edges: Pinedo (5’11”, reach unspecified) has a 4-inch height advantage over Isbulaev (5’7″), aiding range management. Isbulaev’s compact build favors explosive entries, but Pinedo’s experience could neutralize it in clinches.
Intangibles: Pinedo’s championship pedigree gives him an edge in big moments; Isbulaev’s finish-or-bust style could lead to an early upset or fatigue. Neutral venue, but Pinedo’s name recognition adds pressure.
The fight hinges on whether Pinedo exploits range or if Isbulaev closes for a quick finish.
Recent Form
Jesus Pinedo (25-7-1): Coming off a loss but with strong prior wins. Form: L-W-W-W-W (striking-focused, recent TKOs).
Salamat Isbulaev (9-0-0): Undefeated with all finishes. Form: W-W-W-W-W (aggressive, high KO/sub rate).
| Fighter | Pro Record | KO Rate | Last 5 Fights | Rounds Fought | Streak |
| Jesus Pinedo | 25-7-1 | 64% | L-Sub (Khaybulaev, Aug 2025), W-TKO (Braga, Jun 2025), W-TKO (Borics, Apr 2025), W-TKO (Braga, Nov 2023), W-TKO (Jenkins, Aug 2023) | ~100 | Mixed |
| Salamat Isbulaev | 9-0-0 | 67% | W-TKO (Maciel, May 2025), W-KO (Tuul, Jan 2025), W-TKO (Gatsaev, Nov 2024), W-TKO (Nurmagomedov, Sep 2024), W-Sub (Jiayidaer, May 2024) | ~25 | 9 Wins |
Fight History
No prior head-to-head meetings; this is their first encounter. Pinedo has a 4-1 record against unbeaten prospects in recent years, often exploiting experience gaps. Isbulaev is 5-0 vs. experienced fighters, all by finish, but hasn’t faced a former champion like Pinedo.
FIGHT ODDS
Jesus Pinedo – 180
Salamat Isbulaev + 150
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 6, 2026
